UK £6 broadband tax still alive, says minister

Stephen Timms confirms legislation due before election

The controversial 'broadband tax' that was part of the Digital Britain recommendations could be brought into being by the government before the next election – despite little enthusiasm from the Conservative party.

The so-called broadband tax – which would see every fixed telephone line charged 50p a month - has attracted widespread criticism, but Stephen Timms, the man in charge of implementing Lord Carter's Digital Britain recommendations is pushing on anyway.

Of course, with a change of government possible in the next general election, this could potentially mean that the Conservative party is left to deal with the new tax.

This side of general election

"My aim is that we should legislate for that this side of a general election," said Timms at a BCS debate.

Previously, Timms had suggested that the levy was unlikely to happen before the election, so it remains to be seen if some deal has been done with the opposition to let the change through.

"Our concern is that the upgrading of the UK's broadband infrastructure is a mammoth undertaking and this unpopular tax will barely make a dent in the likely total cost," commented BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director Michael Phillips

"Research we carried out earlier this year indicated that half of consumers felt that line rental costs weren't good value for money.

"This is just another body blow to customers that have already seen the majority of telecoms suppliers significantly raise line rental charges this year."